Sport

Morecambe 1 (Threlfall 90+1) Oxford Utd 1 (Connolly 13) + Video

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by David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

OXFORD United were denied a precious away victory as they conceded an equaliser in stoppage time at Morecambe.

Robbie Threlfall turned in a 91st-minute corner from close range to earn a share of the points.

It was heartbreak for United, who had taken an early lead thanks to a flash of magic in the penalty area from David Connolly.

A second goal would probably have killed the game off, but United could not build a cushion and came under increasing pressure, leading to the equaliser.

The result avoided the prospect of back-to-back away defeats, but it was a case of two costly dropped points which saw them drop out of the automatic promotion places.

Tom Newey's suspension caused a major reshuffle in United's side, as caretaker manager Mickey Lewis made five changes to the team which started the 3-2 midweek defeat at Newport County.

Scott Davies was drafted in as a makeshift left back, while centre back Sam Long came in for his first senior start. It saw David Hunt revert to right back as Matt Bevans was rested.

Further forward, Ryan Williams returned on the right in place of Deane Smalley (hamstring), with Connolly and Alfie Potter playing together up front as James Constable was deployed in left midfield.

The unfamiliar line-up made a shaky start, with Davies conceding an early free-kick which Threlfall whipped into the danger zone, but no-one could get on the end of it.

Goalkeeper Ryan Clarke was also forced to make a smart parry to keep out a low Jack Sampson effort inside the opening ten minutes.

But just as at Newport, the visitors opened the scoring with virtually their first attack.

Johnny Mullins flicked on David Hunt's long throw to Connolly, who showed real composure to spin into space and fire a shot which took a deflection on its way past goalkeeper Barry Roche.

Within two minutes it was very nearly 2-0, as Williams' cross fell to an unmarked Mullins at the back post. The defender got hold of his left-footed shot and only an excellent save from Roche kept it out.

Aside from a Potter shot which just missed the target, Morecambe largely controlled the rest of the half.

Sampson should have done better with a 19th-minute shot which was too close to Clarke after Long had missed a routine header. It was a rare poor moment for the teenager, who otherwise looked reliable.

Sampson had another chance later in the half, but he glanced a header wide after the dangerous Kevin Ellison robbed Williams.

Morecambe began the second half well and when Threlfall burst past Long and crossed for Andrew Fleming, the midfielder should have done better than blasting over wildly.

United continued to be on the back foot, but they defended stoutly as Mullins led brilliantly.

The skipper had been involved in a mix-up with Clarke which cost a goal at Newport four days earlier, but he was on hand to clear the danger when there was a similar breakdown in communication between Long and the goalkeeper.

As legs tired on the heavy pitch, the game began to stretch in the final 20 minutes.

Clarke saved well at his near post to deny substitute Tony Diagne, while at the other end another player fresh off the bench, Sean Rigg, fired over when Williams squared.

Morecambe continued to press and with six minutes left had a big appeal for a penalty turned down when Joe McGee appeared to be pushed by Long.

As the game entered four minutes of stoppage time Clarke made a brilliant save to smother a shot from Diagne.

The ball went out for a corner, though, and from the set piece Threlfall bundled in from close range to break United's resistance and earn a point.

Why is Lenegan delaying appointing a new manager. It is costing us valuable points that we have dropped against teams we should really have beatn.
Is he trying to save money or get ML on he cheap !

Why is Lenegan delaying appointing a new manager. It is costing us valuable points that we have dropped against teams we should really have beatn.
Is he trying to save money or get ML on he cheap !learned

A point won or two dropped? In my opinion 2 dropped, yes I know we were on the back foot for much of the game but we did have very makeable goal opportunity a on 3 occasions, chances that were easier than the goal we scored. We really must learn to add that second goal, it's been our undoing so many times. Well done to young Sam Long, a decent performance under a lot of pressure, Bevans has done nothing wrong so I assume he was just given a much needed rest sat on the bench? Rigg should have done done better with his chance tho Constable looked out of place in midfield. Must do better at Spotland next week!

A point won or two dropped? In my opinion 2 dropped, yes I know we were on the back foot for much of the game but we did have very makeable goal opportunity a on 3 occasions, chances that were easier than the goal we scored. We really must learn to add that second goal, it's been our undoing so many times. Well done to young Sam Long, a decent performance under a lot of pressure, Bevans has done nothing wrong so I assume he was just given a much needed rest sat on the bench? Rigg should have done done better with his chance tho Constable looked out of place in midfield. Must do better at Spotland next week!Richard Wickson

Lewis has to go before we fall at the final third of the season for the third season in a row. Morecambe haven't won for 8 games and we should be beating teams who are on poor runs. Lewis is as one dimensional as Wilder. Lenagan needs to make a move over next 2 weeks if we are to rescue the season. We will not win play offs - it's automatic promotion or league two football next year. If it's the latter I think fans will stay away. We are fast becoming the club that never learn.

Lewis has to go before we fall at the final third of the season for the third season in a row. Morecambe haven't won for 8 games and we should be beating teams who are on poor runs. Lewis is as one dimensional as Wilder. Lenagan needs to make a move over next 2 weeks if we are to rescue the season. We will not win play offs - it's automatic promotion or league two football next year. If it's the latter I think fans will stay away. We are fast becoming the club that never learn.adlibber

I did have a long hard look for Ian Lenagan but couldn't spot him, I guess he's in Sydney with Wigan Warriors, his first sporting love. He does need to look seriously at the Manager situation immediately he returns, what he mustn't do is leave it until the New Manager has to win all his games to get us promoted, that's too much pressure for him, whoever he might be! A new Manager often lifts players, ours don't necessarily need lifting, they just need a fresh approach.too many draws will prove costly!

I did have a long hard look for Ian Lenagan but couldn't spot him, I guess he's in Sydney with Wigan Warriors, his first sporting love. He does need to look seriously at the Manager situation immediately he returns, what he mustn't do is leave it until the New Manager has to win all his games to get us promoted, that's too much pressure for him, whoever he might be! A new Manager often lifts players, ours don't necessarily need lifting, they just need a fresh approach.too many draws will prove costly!Richard Wickson

adlibber wrote:
Lewis has to go before we fall at the final third of the season for the third season in a row. Morecambe haven't won for 8 games and we should be beating teams who are on poor runs. Lewis is as one dimensional as Wilder. Lenagan needs to make a move over next 2 weeks if we are to rescue the season. We will not win play offs - it's automatic promotion or league two football next year. If it's the latter I think fans will stay away. We are fast becoming the club that never learn.

Hear hear, totally agree with your comments, particularly that we never learn. This happens far too often at OU. We really need to learn and quickly as we wouldn't get thru the play offs if we end up in them!

[quote][p][bold]adlibber[/bold] wrote:
Lewis has to go before we fall at the final third of the season for the third season in a row. Morecambe haven't won for 8 games and we should be beating teams who are on poor runs. Lewis is as one dimensional as Wilder. Lenagan needs to make a move over next 2 weeks if we are to rescue the season. We will not win play offs - it's automatic promotion or league two football next year. If it's the latter I think fans will stay away. We are fast becoming the club that never learn.[/p][/quote]Hear hear, totally agree with your comments, particularly that we never learn. This happens far too often at OU. We really need to learn and quickly as we wouldn't get thru the play offs if we end up in them!Richard Wickson

We concede after we put a sub on, why???? This gives them time to have a quick chat and get on with it, this is not the first time either, do not make 90 min subs, the game was in the bag until then.

Mickey Lewis is a good guy but we need a full time experienced manager to stop these points slipping away, luckily Chesterfield and Fleetwood lost.

If we beat Rochdale next week this goes a long way to auto qualification.

Up the yellows.

We concede after we put a sub on, why???? This gives them time to have a quick chat and get on with it, this is not the first time either, do not make 90 min subs, the game was in the bag until then.
Mickey Lewis is a good guy but we need a full time experienced manager to stop these points slipping away, luckily Chesterfield and Fleetwood lost.
If we beat Rochdale next week this goes a long way to auto qualification.
Up the yellows.BigAlBiker

learned wrote:
Why is Lenegan delaying appointing a new manager. It is costing us valuable points that we have dropped against teams we should really have beatn.
Is he trying to save money or get ML on he cheap !

Is the right man available yet ?

[quote][p][bold]learned[/bold] wrote:
Why is Lenegan delaying appointing a new manager. It is costing us valuable points that we have dropped against teams we should really have beatn.
Is he trying to save money or get ML on he cheap ![/p][/quote]Is the right man available yet ?H.J.Harris

Our inability to kill games off is really starting to hurt us. Rochdale, Chesterfield, Burton Albion, Southend, Fleetwood and Scunthorpe all still to play this season, so it really is in our own hands. But I just feel that Mickey Lewis hasn't got it in him to get us in the top three.

Our inability to kill games off is really starting to hurt us. Rochdale, Chesterfield, Burton Albion, Southend, Fleetwood and Scunthorpe all still to play this season, so it really is in our own hands. But I just feel that Mickey Lewis hasn't got it in him to get us in the top three.OUFC1983

BigAlBiker wrote:
We concede after we put a sub on, why???? This gives them time to have a quick chat and get on with it, this is not the first time either, do not make 90 min subs, the game was in the bag until then.

Mickey Lewis is a good guy but we need a full time experienced manager to stop these points slipping away, luckily Chesterfield and Fleetwood lost.

If we beat Rochdale next week this goes a long way to auto qualification.

Up the yellows.

I agree with BigAl - subs can be used to run down the clock but it runs down the same if you make it in the 80th or 90th - trust me I'm a ref and I add on the time it takes - so pointless to disrupt a stable team in the last minute. A sub takes time to adjust to the tempo etc so you're playing with ten for a couple of minutes.
I'm more concerned that week after week and for several seasons every opponent seems to impose their game on us at will - we never exert pressure when we're in front. We can do it when we're behind and that showed when we waited to be 3-1 down at Newport before we "had a go"!
We need a manager who says - "I'm struggling with injuries in defence - so let's play it in their half - for 90 mins!" OR "I've got a solid defence - let's play the game in their half". No attacking coaching or mentality at OUFC for years. Too nervy and negative.

[quote][p][bold]BigAlBiker[/bold] wrote:
We concede after we put a sub on, why???? This gives them time to have a quick chat and get on with it, this is not the first time either, do not make 90 min subs, the game was in the bag until then.
Mickey Lewis is a good guy but we need a full time experienced manager to stop these points slipping away, luckily Chesterfield and Fleetwood lost.
If we beat Rochdale next week this goes a long way to auto qualification.
Up the yellows.[/p][/quote]I agree with BigAl - subs can be used to run down the clock but it runs down the same if you make it in the 80th or 90th - trust me I'm a ref and I add on the time it takes - so pointless to disrupt a stable team in the last minute. A sub takes time to adjust to the tempo etc so you're playing with ten for a couple of minutes.
I'm more concerned that week after week and for several seasons every opponent seems to impose their game on us at will - we never exert pressure when we're in front. We can do it when we're behind and that showed when we waited to be 3-1 down at Newport before we "had a go"!
We need a manager who says - "I'm struggling with injuries in defence - so let's play it in their half - for 90 mins!" OR "I've got a solid defence - let's play the game in their half". No attacking coaching or mentality at OUFC for years. Too nervy and negative.Eraser

dovepe wrote:
A draw is better than losing.same again next week.who is this old slow guy scoring goals? Big AL

This old slow guy is proving me wrong, thank goodness as well, he can stay 8-)

I still maintain we need to inject some pace into our team, most of the teams I have watched this season and not only in our league have a couple of pact midfield players, Rigg has lost his speed, Williams is good but needs help.

Onwards and upwards hopefully with a new manager quick.

[quote][p][bold]dovepe[/bold] wrote:
A draw is better than losing.same again next week.who is this old slow guy scoring goals? Big AL[/p][/quote]This old slow guy is proving me wrong, thank goodness as well, he can stay 8-)
I still maintain we need to inject some pace into our team, most of the teams I have watched this season and not only in our league have a couple of pact midfield players, Rigg has lost his speed, Williams is good but needs help.
Onwards and upwards hopefully with a new manager quick.BigAlBiker

Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.

Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.BigYellowScarf

got to agree with big yellow scarf , although gutted at late equaliser the fact that the team had been decimated by injury at both ends meant that mickey lewis was left with very few options. any new manager wont have a magic wand to wave over the injured players to get us back to full strength so we have to go with what weve got. in that respect mickey knows his players better than anyone who may come in so i feel we should stick with him. we obviously miss andy whing in midfield as he is a stabilising influence in front of the back four. lets hope that we can get some of the injured back and go to rochdale with more of a full stength team.

got to agree with big yellow scarf , although gutted at late equaliser the fact that the team had been decimated by injury at both ends meant that mickey lewis was left with very few options. any new manager wont have a magic wand to wave over the injured players to get us back to full strength so we have to go with what weve got. in that respect mickey knows his players better than anyone who may come in so i feel we should stick with him. we obviously miss andy whing in midfield as he is a stabilising influence in front of the back four. lets hope that we can get some of the injured back and go to rochdale with more of a full stength team.bigchet

BigAlBiker wrote:
We concede after we put a sub on, why???? This gives them time to have a quick chat and get on with it, this is not the first time either, do not make 90 min subs, the game was in the bag until then.

Mickey Lewis is a good guy but we need a full time experienced manager to stop these points slipping away, luckily Chesterfield and Fleetwood lost.

If we beat Rochdale next week this goes a long way to auto qualification.

Up the yellows.

Agree with you Big Al, I can't understand the logic of subbing then either, although I think if he felt the need to sub then it should have been Bevans not Ruffells. As a team we make the same mistakes far too often. Xxx

[quote][p][bold]BigAlBiker[/bold] wrote:
We concede after we put a sub on, why???? This gives them time to have a quick chat and get on with it, this is not the first time either, do not make 90 min subs, the game was in the bag until then.
Mickey Lewis is a good guy but we need a full time experienced manager to stop these points slipping away, luckily Chesterfield and Fleetwood lost.
If we beat Rochdale next week this goes a long way to auto qualification.
Up the yellows.[/p][/quote]Agree with you Big Al, I can't understand the logic of subbing then either, although I think if he felt the need to sub then it should have been Bevans not Ruffells. As a team we make the same mistakes far too often. XxxRichard Wickson

The team is suffering due to injuries.A makeshift defence.You cant keep blaming lewis. Unfortunateley it seems the chances fall to the wrong players who seem to be incapable of putting the ball in the net to give us a two goal cushion.Yes we do seem to sit back and hold on that is due to the opponents being better than us.Once we get a full sqaud back then we will see.My opinion is we will make the playoffs hopefully.A new manager will only be able to use what we have got and would be a disruptive influence rather than a positive.Leave alone until the end of the season.

The team is suffering due to injuries.A makeshift defence.You cant keep blaming lewis. Unfortunateley it seems the chances fall to the wrong players who seem to be incapable of putting the ball in the net to give us a two goal cushion.Yes we do seem to sit back and hold on that is due to the opponents being better than us.Once we get a full sqaud back then we will see.My opinion is we will make the playoffs hopefully.A new manager will only be able to use what we have got and would be a disruptive influence rather than a positive.Leave alone until the end of the season.william12

Coming away from the Ground yesterday I was as disappointed as anyone else. However I try and keep things in what seems to me to be perspective: this is the first year of running a development squad and Long was just the latest in a line of younger players to be given an opportunity which I think he made a decent fist of. Younger players have had to be played due to yet another long injury list. Our marquee signing Dave Kitson has not been available often enough, either due to injury or suspension. Smalley continues to pick up niggling injuries. All told, if we make the play-offs I feel this would be our most promising season since we came back into the league by a distance.
Even our loan signings this year have proved measured and productive.

Coming away from the Ground yesterday I was as disappointed as anyone else. However I try and keep things in what seems to me to be perspective: this is the first year of running a development squad and Long was just the latest in a line of younger players to be given an opportunity which I think he made a decent fist of. Younger players have had to be played due to yet another long injury list. Our marquee signing Dave Kitson has not been available often enough, either due to injury or suspension. Smalley continues to pick up niggling injuries. All told, if we make the play-offs I feel this would be our most promising season since we came back into the league by a distance.
Even our loan signings this year have proved measured and productive.steve mcavoy

BigYellowScarf wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.

laughable truly laughable - a very good result ?against a team who haven't had a win in 8 games. Great management? We've dropped out of top 3 lost our away record&apart from Mansfield game we're not scoring many goals&dropping pts against teams in bottom half of table? Keep celebrating failure Scarfie - Surprised you haven't shifted your support down the road and followed Wilder.

[quote][p][bold]BigYellowScarf[/bold] wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.[/p][/quote]laughable truly laughable - a very good result ?against a team who haven't had a win in 8 games. Great management? We've dropped out of top 3 lost our away record&apart from Mansfield game we're not scoring many goals&dropping pts against teams in bottom half of table? Keep celebrating failure Scarfie - Surprised you haven't shifted your support down the road and followed Wilder.adlibber

You guys are unbelievable
I can tell you this I have been a Oxford United fan since a kis some 55 years
you are guys the club can do without.
You got rid of the manager and then start on the assistant manager
I can tell you that we will not go up even if we get into the playoffs
and given the fact that we will have other large clubs of div 2 next season and have seen what has happened to Northampton this year I wouldn't be surprised if we are back in the conference because the chairman will not spend monies like the chairman of Northampton has

You guys are unbelievable
I can tell you this I have been a Oxford United fan since a kis some 55 years
you are guys the club can do without.
You got rid of the manager and then start on the assistant manager
I can tell you that we will not go up even if we get into the playoffs
and given the fact that we will have other large clubs of div 2 next season and have seen what has happened to Northampton this year I wouldn't be surprised if we are back in the conference because the chairman will not spend monies like the chairman of Northampton hasremberingthe80s

remberingthe80s wrote:
You guys are unbelievable
I can tell you this I have been a Oxford United fan since a kis some 55 years
you are guys the club can do without.
You got rid of the manager and then start on the assistant manager
I can tell you that we will not go up even if we get into the playoffs
and given the fact that we will have other large clubs of div 2 next season and have seen what has happened to Northampton this year I wouldn't be surprised if we are back in the conference because the chairman will not spend monies like the chairman of Northampton has

Berk.

[quote][p][bold]remberingthe80s[/bold] wrote:
You guys are unbelievable
I can tell you this I have been a Oxford United fan since a kis some 55 years
you are guys the club can do without.
You got rid of the manager and then start on the assistant manager
I can tell you that we will not go up even if we get into the playoffs
and given the fact that we will have other large clubs of div 2 next season and have seen what has happened to Northampton this year I wouldn't be surprised if we are back in the conference because the chairman will not spend monies like the chairman of Northampton has[/p][/quote]Berk.BigAlBiker

BigYellowScarf wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.

laughable truly laughable - a very good result ?against a team who haven't had a win in 8 games. Great management? We've dropped out of top 3 lost our away record&amp;apart from Mansfield game we're not scoring many goals&amp;dropping pts against teams in bottom half of table? Keep celebrating failure Scarfie - Surprised you haven't shifted your support down the road and followed Wilder.

You have no grasp whatever of what the Football League and League 2 in particular is about. In your tedious spewing of statistics (which is all you seem to understand) you amazingly fail to note that NO team in the division is NOT "dropping points against teams in the bottom half". The depths of your cluelessness were hilariously revealed in your recent post about James Beattie, in which you said "it's not that hard to pull a team away from the relegation zone of the lowest division". Oh my days. Tell that to any manager and watch him struggle to dry his trousers.

[quote][p][bold]adlibber[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BigYellowScarf[/bold] wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.[/p][/quote]laughable truly laughable - a very good result ?against a team who haven't had a win in 8 games. Great management? We've dropped out of top 3 lost our away record&apart from Mansfield game we're not scoring many goals&dropping pts against teams in bottom half of table? Keep celebrating failure Scarfie - Surprised you haven't shifted your support down the road and followed Wilder.[/p][/quote]You have no grasp whatever of what the Football League and League 2 in particular is about. In your tedious spewing of statistics (which is all you seem to understand) you amazingly fail to note that NO team in the division is NOT "dropping points against teams in the bottom half". The depths of your cluelessness were hilariously revealed in your recent post about James Beattie, in which you said "it's not that hard to pull a team away from the relegation zone of the lowest division". Oh my days. Tell that to any manager and watch him struggle to dry his trousers.BigYellowScarf

remberingthe80s wrote:
You guys are unbelievable
I can tell you this I have been a Oxford United fan since a kis some 55 years
you are guys the club can do without.
You got rid of the manager and then start on the assistant manager
I can tell you that we will not go up even if we get into the playoffs
and given the fact that we will have other large clubs of div 2 next season and have seen what has happened to Northampton this year I wouldn't be surprised if we are back in the conference because the chairman will not spend monies like the chairman of Northampton has

Berk.

bigalbiker
you are in most brain dead person i seen on this site, and from what i see most people on here agree.
we dont need oxford fans like you yourself perhaps you should go to swindon you would be head above others as they are brain dead too.
w****r

[quote][p][bold]BigAlBiker[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]remberingthe80s[/bold] wrote:
You guys are unbelievable
I can tell you this I have been a Oxford United fan since a kis some 55 years
you are guys the club can do without.
You got rid of the manager and then start on the assistant manager
I can tell you that we will not go up even if we get into the playoffs
and given the fact that we will have other large clubs of div 2 next season and have seen what has happened to Northampton this year I wouldn't be surprised if we are back in the conference because the chairman will not spend monies like the chairman of Northampton has[/p][/quote]Berk.[/p][/quote]bigalbiker
you are in most brain dead person i seen on this site, and from what i see most people on here agree.
we dont need oxford fans like you yourself perhaps you should go to swindon you would be head above others as they are brain dead too.
w****rremberingthe80s

Firstly you have not seen me, so that's an incorrect statement, I am not brain dead as I am managing to write this here, oh and sometimes I can spell correctly and use capitals when needed.

Secondly have you the authority to speak for "most people" and if so how did you get this honour?

Thirdly Oxford need all the fans they can get, including the missing ones who left when Mr Wilder managed our club, and as for going to Swindon I actually never go there even to shop.

One last thing, try not to use nasty words even with asterisks in them, our younger readers might be offended.

Lastly, lets hope we get a dynamic manager soon and gain automatic promotion.

Have a nice week Dumbo.

Firstly you have not seen me, so that's an incorrect statement, I am not brain dead as I am managing to write this here, oh and sometimes I can spell correctly and use capitals when needed.
Secondly have you the authority to speak for "most people" and if so how did you get this honour?
Thirdly Oxford need all the fans they can get, including the missing ones who left when Mr Wilder managed our club, and as for going to Swindon I actually never go there even to shop.
One last thing, try not to use nasty words even with asterisks in them, our younger readers might be offended.
Lastly, lets hope we get a dynamic manager soon and gain automatic promotion.
Have a nice week Dumbo.BigAlBiker

BigYellowScarf wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.

laughable truly laughable - a very good result ?against a team who haven't had a win in 8 games. Great management? We've dropped out of top 3 lost our away record&amp;apart from Mansfield game we're not scoring many goals&amp;dropping pts against teams in bottom half of table? Keep celebrating failure Scarfie - Surprised you haven't shifted your support down the road and followed Wilder.

You have no grasp whatever of what the Football League and League 2 in particular is about. In your tedious spewing of statistics (which is all you seem to understand) you amazingly fail to note that NO team in the division is NOT &quot;dropping points against teams in the bottom half". The depths of your cluelessness were hilariously revealed in your recent post about James Beattie, in which you said "it's not that hard to pull a team away from the relegation zone of the lowest division". Oh my days. Tell that to any manager and watch him struggle to dry his trousers.

I might need an interpreter to grasp this bizarre response. You're just not very bright I get that and your curious shifting of idolatry to Lewis after departure of your real hero Wilder is understandable given the constant low expectations you have of both yourself and the club. 'spewing statistics'?? Morecambe haven't won in 8 games&we can't beat them? Is it really that difficult for you to can grasp such a simply fact? Beattie for manager? Why? what's he done that other managers haven't by keeping a team in league two? is that how you would pick a potential manager oh hang on this explains your love of Wilder -stagnation is victory for you. Superb insight can I have your autograph..... I'll help you draw the x..

[quote][p][bold]BigYellowScarf[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]adlibber[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BigYellowScarf[/bold] wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.[/p][/quote]laughable truly laughable - a very good result ?against a team who haven't had a win in 8 games. Great management? We've dropped out of top 3 lost our away record&apart from Mansfield game we're not scoring many goals&dropping pts against teams in bottom half of table? Keep celebrating failure Scarfie - Surprised you haven't shifted your support down the road and followed Wilder.[/p][/quote]You have no grasp whatever of what the Football League and League 2 in particular is about. In your tedious spewing of statistics (which is all you seem to understand) you amazingly fail to note that NO team in the division is NOT "dropping points against teams in the bottom half". The depths of your cluelessness were hilariously revealed in your recent post about James Beattie, in which you said "it's not that hard to pull a team away from the relegation zone of the lowest division". Oh my days. Tell that to any manager and watch him struggle to dry his trousers.[/p][/quote]I might need an interpreter to grasp this bizarre response. You're just not very bright I get that and your curious shifting of idolatry to Lewis after departure of your real hero Wilder is understandable given the constant low expectations you have of both yourself and the club. 'spewing statistics'?? Morecambe haven't won in 8 games&we can't beat them? Is it really that difficult for you to can grasp such a simply fact? Beattie for manager? Why? what's he done that other managers haven't by keeping a team in league two? is that how you would pick a potential manager oh hang on this explains your love of Wilder -stagnation is victory for you. Superb insight can I have your autograph..... I'll help you draw the x..adlibber

BigYellowScarf wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.

laughable truly laughable - a very good result ?against a team who haven't had a win in 8 games. Great management? We've dropped out of top 3 lost our away record&amp;apart from Mansfield game we're not scoring many goals&amp;dropping pts against teams in bottom half of table? Keep celebrating failure Scarfie - Surprised you haven't shifted your support down the road and followed Wilder.

You have no grasp whatever of what the Football League and League 2 in particular is about. In your tedious spewing of statistics (which is all you seem to understand) you amazingly fail to note that NO team in the division is NOT &quot;dropping points against teams in the bottom half". The depths of your cluelessness were hilariously revealed in your recent post about James Beattie, in which you said "it's not that hard to pull a team away from the relegation zone of the lowest division". Oh my days. Tell that to any manager and watch him struggle to dry his trousers.

I might need an interpreter to grasp this bizarre response. You're just not very bright I get that and your curious shifting of idolatry to Lewis after departure of your real hero Wilder is understandable given the constant low expectations you have of both yourself and the club. 'spewing statistics'?? Morecambe haven't won in 8 games&amp;we can't beat them? Is it really that difficult for you to can grasp such a simply fact? Beattie for manager? Why? what's he done that other managers haven't by keeping a team in league two? is that how you would pick a potential manager oh hang on this explains your love of Wilder -stagnation is victory for you. Superb insight can I have your autograph..... I'll help you draw the x..

ps simply&can are typos just in case these are the only issues you'll have with my response to your silliness...

[quote][p][bold]adlibber[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BigYellowScarf[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]adlibber[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BigYellowScarf[/bold] wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.[/p][/quote]laughable truly laughable - a very good result ?against a team who haven't had a win in 8 games. Great management? We've dropped out of top 3 lost our away record&apart from Mansfield game we're not scoring many goals&dropping pts against teams in bottom half of table? Keep celebrating failure Scarfie - Surprised you haven't shifted your support down the road and followed Wilder.[/p][/quote]You have no grasp whatever of what the Football League and League 2 in particular is about. In your tedious spewing of statistics (which is all you seem to understand) you amazingly fail to note that NO team in the division is NOT "dropping points against teams in the bottom half". The depths of your cluelessness were hilariously revealed in your recent post about James Beattie, in which you said "it's not that hard to pull a team away from the relegation zone of the lowest division". Oh my days. Tell that to any manager and watch him struggle to dry his trousers.[/p][/quote]I might need an interpreter to grasp this bizarre response. You're just not very bright I get that and your curious shifting of idolatry to Lewis after departure of your real hero Wilder is understandable given the constant low expectations you have of both yourself and the club. 'spewing statistics'?? Morecambe haven't won in 8 games&we can't beat them? Is it really that difficult for you to can grasp such a simply fact? Beattie for manager? Why? what's he done that other managers haven't by keeping a team in league two? is that how you would pick a potential manager oh hang on this explains your love of Wilder -stagnation is victory for you. Superb insight can I have your autograph..... I'll help you draw the x..[/p][/quote]ps simply&can are typos just in case these are the only issues you'll have with my response to your silliness...adlibber

BigAlBiker wrote:
Firstly you have not seen me, so that's an incorrect statement, I am not brain dead as I am managing to write this here, oh and sometimes I can spell correctly and use capitals when needed.

Secondly have you the authority to speak for &quot;most people" and if so how did you get this honour?

Thirdly Oxford need all the fans they can get, including the missing ones who left when Mr Wilder managed our club, and as for going to Swindon I actually never go there even to shop.

One last thing, try not to use nasty words even with asterisks in them, our younger readers might be offended.

Lastly, lets hope we get a dynamic manager soon and gain automatic promotion.

Have a nice week Dumbo.

we see who is right one way or other
my betting is we dont go up even if we do make the play offs
we are not good enough we get hammered i sorry to let you know.
even if we get an new manager, i dont think we can do this. my worry is doing a northamton. and we dont have the monies to sort this out.
we could be playing luton , portsmouth,plymouth,
exeter, southend,bristol rovers, bristol city, shewsbury,notts country. all of which have more monies to spend more players. belive me if dont go up maybe just maybe end up in conference again

[quote][p][bold]BigAlBiker[/bold] wrote:
Firstly you have not seen me, so that's an incorrect statement, I am not brain dead as I am managing to write this here, oh and sometimes I can spell correctly and use capitals when needed.
Secondly have you the authority to speak for "most people" and if so how did you get this honour?
Thirdly Oxford need all the fans they can get, including the missing ones who left when Mr Wilder managed our club, and as for going to Swindon I actually never go there even to shop.
One last thing, try not to use nasty words even with asterisks in them, our younger readers might be offended.
Lastly, lets hope we get a dynamic manager soon and gain automatic promotion.
Have a nice week Dumbo.[/p][/quote]we see who is right one way or other
my betting is we dont go up even if we do make the play offs
we are not good enough we get hammered i sorry to let you know.
even if we get an new manager, i dont think we can do this. my worry is doing a northamton. and we dont have the monies to sort this out.
we could be playing luton , portsmouth,plymouth,
exeter, southend,bristol rovers, bristol city, shewsbury,notts country. all of which have more monies to spend more players. belive me if dont go up maybe just maybe end up in conference againremberingthe80s

BigYellowScarf wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.

BYS - Unlike some on here I'm not bashing managers week after week but we have suffered from the "Hang On" to a lead mentality for several years - certainly under WIlder (proven by the falling home attendances) and now by his understudy. Unfortunately Mickey has been unable to do what CW did and "hold on" to the tentative lead. We have thrown away points from a winning position 3 times out of 7 under ML - something we did once this season under CW. Neither are good enough and we need an injection of enthusiasm and positive play in the shape of a new manager. By all means keep Mickey and Melville (for his contacts) but we must freshen up or it's league 2 again next year I fear....

[quote][p][bold]BigYellowScarf[/bold] wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.[/p][/quote]BYS - Unlike some on here I'm not bashing managers week after week but we have suffered from the "Hang On" to a lead mentality for several years - certainly under WIlder (proven by the falling home attendances) and now by his understudy. Unfortunately Mickey has been unable to do what CW did and "hold on" to the tentative lead. We have thrown away points from a winning position 3 times out of 7 under ML - something we did once this season under CW. Neither are good enough and we need an injection of enthusiasm and positive play in the shape of a new manager. By all means keep Mickey and Melville (for his contacts) but we must freshen up or it's league 2 again next year I fear....Eraser

Have to beat Rochdale a draw won't be good enough. Two or three teams just below play offs are putting good runs together and if we keep dropping points we may end up swapping places with them. Wimbledon,Dag&Red Fleetwood have all won at Rochdale so there's no reason why we can't - other than Lewis's adopting a draw is not a bad result attitude.

Have to beat Rochdale a draw won't be good enough. Two or three teams just below play offs are putting good runs together and if we keep dropping points we may end up swapping places with them. Wimbledon,Dag&Red Fleetwood have all won at Rochdale so there's no reason why we can't - other than Lewis's adopting a draw is not a bad result attitude.adlibber

BigYellowScarf wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.

BYS - Unlike some on here I'm not bashing managers week after week but we have suffered from the &quot;Hang On" to a lead mentality for several years - certainly under WIlder (proven by the falling home attendances) and now by his understudy. Unfortunately Mickey has been unable to do what CW did and "hold on" to the tentative lead. We have thrown away points from a winning position 3 times out of 7 under ML - something we did once this season under CW. Neither are good enough and we need an injection of enthusiasm and positive play in the shape of a new manager. By all means keep Mickey and Melville (for his contacts) but we must freshen up or it's league 2 again next year I fear....

Strange post - you criticise people for 'bashing' managers then go on to say wilder and Lewis are not good enough! Then you follow up by suggesting Lewis and Melville, who have played a part in our inability to move up a division, should remain at the club if and when a new manager arrives? I'm baffled by number of fans who think stagnating in league two and being managed by one dimensional managers is seen as a success. Totally agree with your positive play and new manager points though -we are dull to watch.

[quote][p][bold]Eraser[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BigYellowScarf[/bold] wrote:
Gutting and frustrating though it was to concede late on, in the circumstances, with the players available, this was a VERY GOOD RESULT. And it was GREAT MANAGEMENT by Lewis and Melville. Given the spirit and commitment that radiate from the squad, it would be a major mistake, and certainly a major gamble, to bring in a new manager now. Fortunately, unlike many club owners and vast numbers of fans, Ian Lenagan (a) is very intelligent and (b) understands team sports.[/p][/quote]BYS - Unlike some on here I'm not bashing managers week after week but we have suffered from the "Hang On" to a lead mentality for several years - certainly under WIlder (proven by the falling home attendances) and now by his understudy. Unfortunately Mickey has been unable to do what CW did and "hold on" to the tentative lead. We have thrown away points from a winning position 3 times out of 7 under ML - something we did once this season under CW. Neither are good enough and we need an injection of enthusiasm and positive play in the shape of a new manager. By all means keep Mickey and Melville (for his contacts) but we must freshen up or it's league 2 again next year I fear....[/p][/quote]Strange post - you criticise people for 'bashing' managers then go on to say wilder and Lewis are not good enough! Then you follow up by suggesting Lewis and Melville, who have played a part in our inability to move up a division, should remain at the club if and when a new manager arrives? I'm baffled by number of fans who think stagnating in league two and being managed by one dimensional managers is seen as a success. Totally agree with your positive play and new manager points though -we are dull to watch.adlibber